Multicorner contest likely in Tripura

Tripura is likely to witness a multicorner contest in the February 14 Assembly elections. For the 60 seats, 266 nominations were found valid, and 30 were rejected for want of necessary documents.

The papers filed by candidates from the CPI(M)-led Left Front and the Congress–INPT (Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura) alliance were found to be in order. Those whose nominations were rejected are from smaller parties and independents.

A clear picture of the electoral battle will emerge only after January 31, last date for withdrawals. The BJP and the smaller Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are also in the fray.

The Trinamool Congress, which routed the Left in the West Bengal Assembly elections, is not contesting in Tripura but said it would appeal to the people to “vote for a change” in this State.

Meanwhile, most of the general election observers and expenditure observers have arrived and assumed charge, poll officials said. An additional 144 companies of the paramilitary CRPF, CISF and ITBP have also reached the State for election-related deployment.